Discovery and Systems Librarian

Smith College; Northampton (MA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith College is seeking a Discovery and Systems Librarian to oversee the library's technical infrastructure and enhance services. The position involves collaboration with various departments, troubleshooting access issues, and steering the Libraries' Discovery Team. Ideal candidates will have a Master's degree and experience with library management systems, along with strong technical skills to improve user experience.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years experience working within Library Management Systems and discovery interfaces.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong technical skills related to library software and systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the technical infrastructure of the Libraries’ discovery layer.
• Advocate for consortium needs to EBSCO and library software developers.
• Resolve electronic resource access issues with library colleagues.

Skills

Basic competency in SQL

PHP

Javascript

Python

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Tools

Library Management Systems

Discovery systems

Authentication software

Job description

Discovery and Systems Librarian page is loaded

Discovery and Systems Librarian

Apply locations Smith College time type Full time posted on Posted Today job requisition id R-202500272

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at [e-mail] .

Libraries

Job Description

Essential Functions

Discovery and Systems (100%)

• Oversee the technical infrastructure of the Libraries’ discovery layer. Continually evaluate and enhance services, emphasizing accessibility and overall user experience.
• Act as the primary contact point for FOLIO within the Five Colleges. Review and test upgrades, update Five Colleges on bugs and system problems, and inform the Smith community about new features.
• Advocate for the consortium’s needs to EBSCO and other library software developers as well as publishers, in collaboration with Five College colleagues.
• Collaborate with the Electronic Resources Department to resolve on- and off-campus electronic resource access issues. Troubleshoot e-resource access barriers with library colleagues, students, and faculty, and resolve individual and large-scale access issues. Communicate potential issues to library stakeholders.
• Work with Learning, Research, and Technology staff to optimize the discovery of and access to the Libraries’ online and print collections for students, faculty, and staff.
• Chair the Libraries Discovery Team and participate in the Five College Discovery Committee, serving as chair on a rotating basis.
• Provide system and technical guidance for additional systems used within the Libraries, including the institutional repository, preservation systems, digital repository, and additional systems when necessary.
• Continually develop expertise with emerging technologies and identify, assess, and relay information about trends and innovations in electronic resource access and discovery to colleagues.
• Serve as a contact point for library staff for questions related to discovery and systems. Provide support and training to library staff as needed.

Other Functions

• Other duties as assigned.

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

• Master's degree or equivalent
• 1-3 years experience working within Library Management Systems and discovery interfaces
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong technical skills, including knowledge of library software and systems, including integrated library systems, discovery systems, authentication software, openURL linking standards, and metadata standards
• Experience working in a consortial environment
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Ability to troubleshoot complex problems including system issues and access problems
• Understanding of accessibility standards and guidelines
• Knowledge of data privacy and security
• A basic understanding of digital preservation including concepts and tools
• Knowledge of metadata and cataloging formats including (MARC, Dublin Core, MODS, and METS)

Skills

Basic competency in SQL, PHP, Javascript, Python

Other Information

This position is eligible for a fully remote work schedule.

Remote workers may not reside in the following States: Arkansas, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

June 12, 2025

Position Type:

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at [e-mail] .

As set forth in our mission and values , Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.

About Us

Smith College seeks to attract individuals who are committed to our mission of providing the highest quality education to women. Smith College enjoys the reputation as one of the finest colleges in the country. This reputation, tempered by time and challenged by change, holds strong because of the dedicated work of our staff, faculty and administration.

We are a diverse group bringing to our community different talents, perspectives and experiences. Our strength arises from this diversity and is sustained by a community value of providing an outstanding educational environment for our nearly 2,700 students.